News Archive, July through August 2003

In today's local newspaper I read an article on a company doing Jeep Tours around the state.  Apparently its a big hit with the tourist as the fleet has grown to 55 Jeeps in 4 locations.  I found it to be an interesting read.  Look here for the full story about Alaska on the Jeep, from the ADN.

Minutes from the club's four most recent meetings have been added to the Archive section.  So now you can check out what was discussed July 3, July 17, July 31 and August 14. 

The next club meeting is this Thursday, August 28.

I have added two more articles to Archive section under newspaper clippings.  Both articles came from the Anchorage Daily News on August 8, 2003.

The ongoing RS2477 debate continues and our Governor continues to live up to his pro-recreation expectations as Murkowski seeks federal rights of way.

Also worth reading is this article on the roadless rule, as Wyoming's Ruling may signal demise of roadless rule.

A couple more articles have been added to the Archive section under newspaper clippings.  They are:

Senator questions Interior on Historic Roads and Trails  Senator Joe Lieberman (Connecticut) wrote a letter to Secretary of the Interior Norton in regard to establishing specific administrative processes and definitions for designating historic rights of way across public lands.  

Ruling, Stevens may help Loggers  It was described as being important by a fellow club member because it may lead to the Supreme Court facing the roadless rule.  Previously, a federal judge in Idaho upheld the rule, which was then affirmed by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.  Alaska is in the 9th Circuit.  Wyoming is in the 10th Circuit, and this case is likely to be appealed to the 10th Circuit.  If the 10th Circuit affirms the lower court decision, that puts two circuits in direct opposition.  Conflict among the circuit courts is one of the few reasons that the Supreme Court will take a case.

Tonight, at our July 17 club meeting, we covered a lot of topics.  I thank everyone who attended for their patience.

Meeting minutes will be posted soon.  In tonight's meeting we added another member to the roster, Corey Menzel and his '97 TJ.  His vehicle information has been added to the Member's Rigs section.

On Wednesday July 9th, while other club members were attempting to rescue a stranded TJ in Metal Creek near Knik Glacier I attended the monthly meeting  meeting of the Sutton Trails Committee.  Below is a copy of the notes I took that evening:

• Pete described frustrations with wear and tear of Permanente Road this spring, specifically Memorial Day weekend.
• Committee met yesterday with 6 National Park Service employees, including someone from the DC office.
• Committee has submitted their application for a State Rec. Trails Grant.  In the meeting yesterday they heard very positive things about receiving the grant, though not an official commitment.
• The Saturday use surveys have not been getting completed.  Kevin Keeler of RTAC has stressed the importance of the surveys as they will help provide quantities during the public meeting this fall.
• Robin to have revised surveys ready in a couple weeks.
• The Mat-Su borough has agreed to donate and install a kiosk for handing out surveys and maps.
• Map to be put together showing various loops trails for different user groups.  One or two trails could be constructed/hardened a year and added to map.
• Walking trail portion of Eska Falls trail was blocked.  Rocks and ditch physical barriers were removed due to liability concerns, were replaced with ‘Trail Closed’ signs.
• Committee encompasses Moose Creek to King River (therefore includes King River trail along Young's Creek, and Red Mountain).

I have a copy of the meeting minutes recorded by the Sutton Trails Committee.  The minutes contain greater detail on some of the topics I have noted above.  If anyone would like a copy of the minutes please email me. 

In earlier June there was an article published in the Outdoors section of the Anchorage Daily News in regard to motorized users in bush Alaska.  The original article was copied to our Archive section.  Not surprising, the article has sparked interest in some newspaper readers who have now written editors to the letter.  I have added the letters to the editor to the end of the original article.  Click to view article and letters